Midtown Lunch

Breakfast Beer: I'm not a big fan of the Heartland Brewery (on 51st btw. 6+7th) after paying $7 for 5 onion rings, but this post on the Village Voice blog kind of intrigued me: HB has just introduced a new porter that "combines ale with an earthy, dark Columbian coffee from Oren's Daily Roast." It's tough to arugue with that... now if only we could get them to man up their order of onion rings.

The Giant Tree Has Arrived: The giant Christmas tree arrived in Rockefeller Center this morning, where its magnetic forces can be most effective in pulling as many camera wielding tourists as possible towards its holiday glow.  This marks the beginning of my annual attempt to avoid Rock Center at all costs until after the new year.

Danku Update: Here's the latest re: Danku, the dutch kroket and Indonesian fast food place opening on 57th btw. 5+6th.  Called yesterday (Thursday): "We may open tomorrow, but if not then definitely on Monday." Called this morning (Friday): "We're hoping to open middle of next week."  Duly noted... I may still walk by on Monday.

Free Blimpie Green Sauce Sadness: Spotted yesterday: "The door to the now closed Blimpie on 46th was locked, but outside there was a cardboard box full of individual plastic containers of bright green sauce. No sign or anything." The tipster didn't take a photo... but maybe it's better that way. It may have been too sad.

This Just In: Today is Last Day for Blimpie’s Special Sandwich: I guess yesterday's report was a little too hopeful.  A lunch'er just emailed to say that the Blimpie on 46th btw. 5+6th will be closing forever after today.  Orders for the special Indian vegetarian sandwich with doritos will be taken until 5:30 p.m. Sorry...

Ying Du Roasted Meats Update: Walked by Ying Du (on 38th btw. 7+8th) this morning and the roasted meats in the window are still MIA.  The owner (?)  said they are hoping to have them back up next week, and their disappearance has nothing to do with the Department of Health;  the machine they use to roast the meats is broken.

Margon & Sophie’s Make NYT Best Cuban Food List: This weekend's New York Times Travel section features an article about the best Cuban restaurants in New York City and both Margon (on 46th btw. 6+7th) and Sophie's Cuban (multiple locations) are briefly mentioned at the end, as cheap options).  I love them both, but isn't it nteresting that neither is owned by Cubans (Sohpie's was started by Peruvians and I believe Margon is owned by Dominicans.)

Free Cupcake Confirmation: Somebody from Crumbs corporate office emailed to confirm what the three stores didn't seem to know about this morning: The Crumbs on Madison Ave. & 52nd "will be giving away 1,000 cupcakes on Friday November 7th. Thanks!!!" The fun starts at 8 a.m.

The Results Are In!!!: You voted, the votes were counted, and the all-important-results are in. The winner of the scariest thing I've ever eaten in Midtown contest is... the free sushi samples put in front Pronto Pizza on 55th btw. 5+6th!!!  It just beat out Tad's Steaks and the Ecuardorian ceviche from the street cart lady on 46th St.  Thanks for voting... now go get your free stuff!

Election Day Free Food May Be Illegal: Gawker has pointed out that the "free stuff if you vote" promotions going on election day might actually be illegal.  Something about bribing people to vote... and imprisonment... blah blah blah. To avoid any legal issues, I'm guessing most of the places will just give you the free stuff whether you voted or not. All I know is, if anybody stands between me and my free doughnut it's going to get ugly.